Study finds toxics in cheap jewelry at popular stores

A new report finds that some cheap jewelry contains nasty stuff, including lead, cadmium, mercury and more. From MotherJones.com:

The Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Ecology Center found that 57 percent of the 99 pieces of jewelry it test contained high levels of toxic components like lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and bromine. Twenty-seven percent of pieces contained more than 300 parts per million (ppm) of lead—which far exceeds the 100 ppm limit for children’s products the Consumer Product Safety Commission set last year. Forty-seven percent contained detectible levels of the “extremely toxic metal” cadmium, which is also a “probable carcinogen” according to the EPA. Thirteen percent had high levels of arsenic, and 5 percent had high levels of mercury.

The Center noted that some of these chemicals are linked to health risks like birth defects, learning disorders, liver toxicity, and cancer, or can cause allergic reactions.

This Pastel Collection heart necklace, labeled “lead-free” is anything but, the group found. The pendant is 96.4% lead and the lobster clasp is 99.2% lead. (HealthyStuff.org)

The group tested 99 pieces of jewelry purchased in December 2011 from 14 retailers in six states (Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Vermont). Most of the jewelry was under $10.

59% of products tested were rated as having HIGH level of concern due the presence of one or more hazardous chemical detected at high levels

47 of 99 (47%) of jewelry contained detectable levels of cadmium

27 of 99 (27%) of jewelry contained greater than 300 ppm lead in one or more components. 300 ppm is the CPSC limits of lead in children’s products

Mother Jones contacted the Consumer Product Safety Commission who said they only regulate children’s jewelry. A new voluntary industry standard was created in November, but it also covers only children’s jewelry.